What makes an Aussie legend? Is it ambition? Is it skill? Is it the down-to-earth hustle? Is it all of the above?
Well you just need to ask people like Ash Barty, Luc Longley, Paul Harrogan, Erin Phillips and more who have all joined forces to welcome a new Aussie legend into their ranks — the Kia Tasman.
Retirement’s treating Barty well, and she’s bought herself a real fixer-upper in the middle of rural Australia. So, she’s called in some of her fellow retired legends to come help her with the job – all of whom have a Kia Tasman Ute at their disposal.
Paul Harrogan making sure everything runs smoothly as the Chief, Luc Longley laughing at the thought of a ladder while he leads his painting business ‘In The Paint’ and even nextdoor neighbour Dane Swan promising to throw one hell of a housewarming party once the build is done.
You even have Madge, played by Rhonda Doyle, as Barty’s right-hand lady. Doyle learned the hard way about what happens when you neglect to do a job correctly – she was the ‘Jan’ of ‘Not Happy, Jan!’ fame.
The entire ordeal wouldn’t be possible without several Kia Tasman utes lugging all the gear around, through rough terrain might I add. But why has this car gotten the tick of approval from so many icons?
Well Kia has been putting this thing through the wringer, with intensive testing right here on demanding Aussie terrains, so you know it’s built for dependability and hard work. This isn't just a shiny new toy — it’s been developed specifically for the Australian market, designed with genuine Aussie ingenuity at its core.
First, there’s the specs, because this is where the Tasman really flexes. This ute sports smooth, robust performance, courtesy of an 8-speed automatic transmission that makes light work of any load or terrain.
Need to tow? No worries. The Tasman boasts a massive 3.5 Ton Towing capacity with an impressive 350kg tow ball mass rating. Plus, it’s got an integrated trailer brake controller, so you can haul with confidence. And when it comes to carrying gear, you’re looking at over 1000kg Payload, meaning you can load up without a second thought.
Brute strength aside, the Kia Tasman offers an incredible interior that prioritises comfort and practicality. Drivers of this bad boy will get best-in-segment headroom, shoulder room, and 2nd-row legroom with handy slide and recline functions. Plus, smart features like underseat storage, rear fender flare storage, and cargo lights mean every inch is used effectively.
And the tray space? It’s class-leading, with a tub capacity of up to 1,336L. You'll actually have room for all your tools, camping gear, or whatever else life throws at you.
The Tasman isn’t afraid to get dirty, making it the perfect steed for the task of Barty’s fixer-upper. Built on a dedicated ladder frame platform, it’s equipped with low range gearing, a rear locking differential, and specific Terrain and X-Trek modes to conquer any off-road challenge. The Ground View Monitor will give you eyes where you need them most, too.
Inside, the tech is innovative despite the ute’s ruggedness. Think an integrated panoramic display, Blind Spot View Monitor, Surround View Monitor, and even Remote Smart Park Assist. Convenience is king with 240V power outlets, a column-type Shift-by-Wire system, a large folding console table, and handy corner steps for easy tray access. Oh, and heated and ventilated front seats for those long days.
The Kia Tasman is more than just a ute — it’s a rugged, powerful, and intelligently designed machine that’s set to become a staple on Australian worksites and adventure trails. Dare I say it? It’s an Aussie legend in the making.
*Not all features mentioned in the above article are available on all grades of the Kia Tasman.
The SPORTbible Team